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Help with processor decision

I've been using a Denon 3808 receiver as my processor ever since I purchased a Parasound A52 last year to power my system (B W 804d LR, htm62 center, M-1 LR surround, with b w 600 sub). I purchased an Oppo-105 a while back for the better video processing, DAC and multichannel out (for SACDs). I'm about 70% music, 30% ht/TV. I have started listening to a lot of vinyl recently, so I do need a more musical processor (and I don't really have room on my rack for a two channel preamp). I run a lot of music (usb) and video (hdmi) from my Mac mini server through the Oppo as well. I'm torn between the following processors:
-Parasound p7 (would lose the hdmi switching, but could use the Oppo)
-Marantz 8801
-Yamaha A5000
I currently use Audessey XT room correction with my 3808. My room is 14 w x 18 l x 9-10 h sloping ceiling with the LR speakers on the short wall, and it is untreated with suspended hardwood floors. I am a little indifferent regarding room correction, but given my room I think it's been helpful for HT. Between my cable box and a possible xbox purchase, I may need more hdmi switching than the Oppo provides...
Any advice would be greatly appreciated since I plan to follow-through with a purchase THIS WEEK!
P.S. This will probably be the first of several upgrades in the near future (adding 2 surrounds to get 7.1, adding more powerful amps for my LR, upgrading center and sub).
bebopmecha5
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dbphd
1,058 posts
 
Jdub39,

I obviously don't understand what you're try to achieve. I'm pretty confident you don't need to use XLR unless the Oppo is distant from the 8801 and that the 8801 should not digitize analog from the Oppo. According to Oppo, there is no sonic-quality reason for using their XLR rather than RCA (SE).

I can envision three links:
1. XLR from Oppo to amp (analog stereo)
2. 7.1 from Oppo to 8801 pass-through using front LR RCA (analog)
3. HDMI-2 from Oppo to 8801 (digital)

If you want the Oppo to do the processing, use link 1 or 2; if you want the 8801 to do the processing, use link 3. If you really think the 8801 analog processing is the equal of the Oppo, then the simple single cable link 3 is the obvious choice, and it provides acoustic room correction for everything.

db
jdub39
262 posts
 
I pretty much tried to clarify the methods of connection and the reasons and uses for each and commented on each of there sonic merits to my ears at least. I'll state once more that I use the Sabre dac's via XLR to the 8801 in Pure Direct assigned to the CD input for 2/ch. I also use the 7.1 analog rca inputs but only the fR/FL but very very seldom as I prefer the sound of the XLR connection (regardless of what Oppo says)And lastly I use hdmi for all multi/ch material movies & sacd . What's achieved is playback options and flexibility that's not limited to analog connections and no room correction as I have both in conjunction with a well treated room. I know at the touch of a button what's being processed and what dac's are doing so and which path its taking as each has an audible difference however so slight.
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dbphd
1,058 posts
 
Jdub39,

Perhaps it's the writing style: "l also use the 7.1 analog rca inputs but only the fR/FL but very very seldom as I prefer the sound of the XLR connection (regardless of what Oppo says)And lastly I use hdmi for all multi/ch material movies & sacd. I still don't understand what your aim is, nor is it important that I do. Let's leave it at that. If you're happy with your setup, that's what counts.

db
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